Changes

Although some factors influencing the introduction of bluetongue to an area are outwith human control, such as transportation of ''Culicoides'' on the wind, certain measures can be taken to help avoid BTV becoming established in an area. This involves designation of areas where bluetongue is circulating as restricted (or protection) zones for the specific serotype, and imposing movement limitations within and between these areas. Animals in protection zones may be moved within in the zone, and to confluent protection zones for the same serotype. However, they may not be moved to free zones (BTV-free areas), although animals from free zones may be moved without restriction. A map of the current restriction/protection zones in Europe is available from the [http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/controlmeasures/bt_restrictedzones-map.jpg European Commission Website].

Although some factors influencing the introduction of bluetongue to an area are outwith human control, such as transportation of ''Culicoides'' on the wind, certain measures can be taken to help avoid BTV becoming established in an area. This involves designation of areas where bluetongue is circulating as restricted (or protection) zones for the specific serotype, and imposing movement limitations within and between these areas. Animals in protection zones may be moved within in the zone, and to confluent protection zones for the same serotype. However, they may not be moved to free zones (BTV-free areas), although animals from free zones may be moved without restriction. A map of the current restriction/protection zones in Europe is available from the [http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/diseases/controlmeasures/bt_restrictedzones-map.jpg European Commission Website].

Since animals may be moved freely between protection zones for the same serotype, a protection zone which does not currently have circulating BTV is as risk of becoming re-infected.  This fact has lead to the designation of lower risk zones. These are areas where disease is not currently circulating, but rules are in place to limit the risk of introducing bluetongue with minimal disruption to trade. Normally, vaccination against bluetongue is only permissable in areas where BTV is circulating, i.e. protection/restriction zones. Designating a Lower Risk Zone allows livestock holders to vaccinate against bluetongue although the virus is not currently circulating, thus helping to prevent infection. Imports from confluent RZs are also permitted, subject to

Since animals may be moved freely between protection zones for the same serotype, a protection zone which does not currently have circulating BTV is as risk of becoming re-infected.  This fact has lead to the designation of lower risk zones. Vaccination is only normally permitted within protection zones, but livestock holders in lower risk zones are able to vaccinate their animals. There are also more stringent regulations on bringing in animals from confluent protection zones. Therefore, the risk of re-introducing bluetongue is reduced and the area can move towards BTV freedom more confidently. A further advantage of lower risk zones is the ability to export livestock to other BTV areas with fewer limitations.

===Vaccination===

===Vaccination===